Middlesbrough set to continue pursuit of Championship playmaker in January

Luke Freeman of Queens Park Rangers during the EFL Sky Bet Championship match between Millwall and Queens Park Rangers at The Den, London, England on 29 December 2017. Photo by Toyin Oshodi.

Middlesbrough are looking at returning for Queens Park Rangers playmaker Luke Freeman when the transfer window re-opens, according to London Football News.

Blackburn Rovers made several bids for Queens Park Rangers playmaker Luke Freeman towards the tail end of the summer transfer window, but the attacking midfielder opted to stay at Loftus Road.

However, it is unknown whether Rovers will look to return for Freeman when the transfer window re-opens in January. If they do, then they will have to contend with promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough, who are considering a move for the 26-year-old once again.

Steve McClaren turned down approaches from both Blackburn and Middlesbrough for their star man in the summer, and look set to have their resolve tested once again in January.

Freeman admitted that he did have his head turned by the interest in him during the summer transfer window, telling West London Sport:

“It was difficult. I’d be lying if I said my head wasn’t turned, because to some extent it was.

“When you’re a player and there’s the possibility of joining a club that might well be in the Premier League next season, of course that’s something you think about.

“Every player wants to play in the Premier League and I’m not going to lie and say it wasn’t on my mind when that (interest in him) was happening,”

However, he insisted that he is still happy at Loftus Road.

“But what I can just as honestly say is that I’m very happy at QPR and always have been. I’ve always loved it there.

“There’s never been a time when I’ve not been happy to be playing for QPR. I’m very happy to be there and have never felt differently.”